Working Building Fire in Wilmington, Delaware

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Jul 6, 2006

Wilmington, Delaware - On Friday, June 30, 2006 at 5:11 pm, fire companies were dispatched to 801 East 7th Street for a building fire.

Arriving units found heavy fire and smoke showing from the second floor of a three story commercial property. The property contained a bar on the first floor with apartments on the upper floors. Due to the intensity of the fire, first arriving chief officer battalion Chief Ed Hojnicki requested an additional engine company to respond and assist.

The fire started on the second floor of the building and extended to the third floor causing extensive damage to the property. One occupant of the building escaped before fire department units arrived on the scene, with no apparent injuries.

Firefighter John Porter of Engine Company 2 suffered a burn to his face and was transported to the Wilmington Hospital to be evaluated. Fire was declared under control by Deputy Chief Joseph Kalinowski at 6:15 pm. Due to the structural damage to the building, Wilmington License and Inspection Officers were notified to respond and evaluate the stability of the structure.

Twenty-eight firefighters contained the fire in the building where the fire started, assisted by paramedic and EMS personnel. The Wilmington Fire Marshall’s Office is conducting an investigation as to the cause of the fire.